Your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, so you don’t really need to have a cavity filled. Right? Wrong! Baby teeth are extremely important for your child’s future oral health and should be cared for just like permanent teeth. Left untreated, tooth decay in baby teeth can progress and impact the health of the adult teeth developing behind the scenes, causing long-term complications.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Healthy baby teeth play an integral role in your child’s development. They help your child learn how to speak, bite, and chew with ease. These tiny little pearly whites act as space holders for the adult teeth and guide them into the correct alignment when they are ready to come in.

Losing a tooth too early due to extensive tooth decay or damage can interfere with the proper eruption of the permanent teeth. Moreover, the neighboring teeth may drift and shift toward the gap, resulting in crooked teeth and problems with the bite. Early tooth loss increases the likelihood of requiring orthodontic treatment later on.

Tooth-Colored Fillings – An Overview

Tooth-colored fillings are restorations made of a composite resin material that mimics the appearance of natural teeth for seamless results. Once in place, the tooth-colored filling material bonds to the natural tooth structure, providing an impenetrable barrier.

In the past, composite resin fillings were only used to treat cavities on the front teeth for aesthetic purposes. However, advances in dental technology and the composition of tooth-colored fillings have made it possible to use these cosmetic fillings on molars that endure more stress and wear than other teeth.

Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings closely match the color of your child’s natural tooth enamel, unlike amalgam fillings with their silver color. The tooth-colored filling procedure is considered conservative because it requires less removal of tooth structure than silver fillings. Many parents prefer white dental fillings for their children because they are mercury-free and never cause metal allergies.

Composite fillings are strong and durable, usually lasting until baby teeth fall out naturally. When used to repair permanent teeth, good oral hygiene care and regular visits to Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry will ensure the tooth-colored fillings enhance your child’s smile for many years to come.

What Is the Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure?

After numbing the affected tooth and surrounding gum, we will remove the decayed portions of the tooth and clean and sterilize the space. Next, we’ll place the tooth-colored filling material in layers and harden it using a curing light. The last step is polishing your child’s restoration and making any needed adjustments. Th treated tooth will look and function just like any of the surrounding teeth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Near Me

Visit Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry in Glendale, AZ, to learn more about repairing tooth decay and cavities using tooth-colored fillings. Our team is all about saving teeth and setting the stage for healthy smiles that last. Call us to schedule your appointment today!